There’s more to travelling than just booking your tickets and accommodations and carefully planning your itinerary. Before heading to your chosen destination and to ensure nothing catches you off-guard whilst travelling, here are some tips to consider:

1. Do your research. Read about the country or region’s terrain and socioeconomic and political backdrop. Be up to date with the latest happenings from market forecasts to political news. Knowing these details will give you an idea whether staying in the place for weeks or months is worth it.

2. Be aware of the season. Check the news for any impending calamity such as a storm or hurricane. It is important to pay attention to weather conditions so that not only will you be able to pack the right clothes, but you will also be able to steer clear of calamity-prone areas.

3. Make the most out of promos and good deals. Browse through the Internet and make a quick search to know which airlines or booking sites are offering discounts. Whether travelling solo or in a group, a number of booking sites are generous in offering travel deals. Since most travel deals are offered on a limited basis, booking at the soonest possible time is always a recommended course of action.

4. Read reviews. Know what previous visitors have to say about your target destination or the accommodations you have in mind. This will spare you from future discomforts. Although different individuals may have different experiences, reviews set your expectations straight and help you gauge the probability of landing a good deal.

5. Get a comprehensive Travel Insurance package with full medical coverage to shield you against unexpected losses. Make sure your chosen policy includes full coverage for pre-existing medical conditions for any age. If you have multiple trips in a year, an annual travel insurance plan will be a more cost-efficient option. All the trips you’ve booked within a 12-month period will be covered by a single plan, which means there’s no need for you to buy travel insurance every time you travel overseas or to another Canadian province.

6. Set a proper budget months before your travel date. Take into consideration all possible expenditures such as accommodation, food and miscellaneous expenses. Though not necessary, having an emergency fund will be helpful one way or another. In the event of a travel insurance claim, there will be spare money to fend for your losses while you wait for your travel insurance company to complete the processing of your claim.

7. Finally, if your travels will extend to half a year or more, your home must be installed with advanced security features. You may also solicit the help of a neighbour who can look after your house from time to time until your return.